Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. The pain associated with Achilles Tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after daily, running or other sports activities.
Predisposing Factors:
- The Tendon Achilles weakens with age, which makes it more susceptible to injury.
- Flat feet put more strain on the Achilles Tendon.
- Training terrains, uneven ground or uphill predispose you to Achilles injury.
- Medications: certain antibiotics like “fluoroquinolones” have been associated with higher rates of Achilles tendinitis.
- Medical conditions: people with diabetes or high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing Achilles Tendinitis.
Clinical Presentation:
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles Tendon.
- Pain worsens with activity .
- Thickening of the tendon.
Treatments:
- RICE – Rest Ice Compression Elevation
- NSAIDS: anti-inflammatory pill may help reduce the inflammation, however this is not a long term answer.
- Orthotics: custom devices to help prevent abnormal compensations due to biomechan ical abnormalities.
- Heel lift: raising the heel helps relieve stresses applied to the foot by the calf. This should be used with proper stretching.
- Tendon Taping: help support the Achilles Tendon by limiting excessive or abnormal anatomical movement.
- Night Splints: helps keep the calf muscle in an elongated position overnight and prevents tightness of the muscle group.
- Stretching: designed to help loosen the calf muscle which relieves the stress applied to the Achilles Tendon. This is especially important to avoid a recurrence of Achilles Tendinitis.
- Ultrasound/Laser Therapy: photochemical responses or sound waves in the tissue help to control pain and accelerate healing.
- Proper supportive footwear: supportive shoes with heel cushioning and rigid heel counter can assist in healing the injury.
- Casting: only used in severe cases. Surgery: may be needed to help repair the torn Achilles.